A pretty compelling case can be made that the most important synthesizer in history is the Minimoog Model D. When it was released in 1970 it was considered the first “portable” synth and it was among the first to distill the core tenants of what we consider modern synthesis into a self-contained, pre-wired package. It’s been used by everyone from Kraftwerk, to Sun Ra, to P-Funk, to Giorgio Moroder, to Nine Inch Nails and Dr Dre. It is, in many ways, the platonic ideal of a synthesizer.

This is why vintage ’70s models can fetch up to $10,000. And even the reissue from 2016 routinely goes for over $7,000. It’s also why Moog is bringing the iconic instrument back, again, more than fifty years after it originally debuted. 

Just like the original, the latest reissue is hand-built in the company’s Asheville, NC factory with through-hole components housed in an aluminum and hard wood chassis. While it retains the original’s sound and feel, it does include a number of modern amenities that debuted on the 2016 version, like an analog LFO with triangle and square eaves; an improved Fatar Keybed with aftertouch and velocity sensitivity; and MIDI integration. The new version also adds a spring-loaded pitch wheel that snaps back to the center on release — which it pretty much how pitch wheels work on every other synth. 

Many people use WhatsApp to shop, and now they might not have to leave the app to find a store. WhatsApp now lets you search for businesses (those using the service’s Business Platform, that is) by category or name. The feature is initially available in the UK, Colombia, Indonesia and Mexico, while Brazil will get an expanded version that also indexes small businesses.

WhatsApp also wants to handle the purchases. After a launch in India this August, the messaging app is now testing in-chat payments in Brazil. You can use your credit or debit card to check out directly instead of visiting the web, using another app or making a face-to-face transaction.

WhatsApp didn’t say when it expected these search and payment options to reach the US and other parts of the world. In a statement, WhatsApp only said it would expand access “in the future.” However, the debut is clearly focused on countries where WhatsApp is popular, such as Brazil. The South American nation is frequently one of the first to get new features, such as sending and receiving money.

It won’t be surprising if the technology spreads to other regions. WhatsApp owner Meta has made a point of building shopping features into its core products, including Facebook and Instagram. These latest additions could help Meta provide a more consistent commerce experience across its apps — and, of course, make some extra profit.

Source: Engadget – WhatsApp now helps you search for businesses

Meta is apparently cracking down on employees who abuse their behind-the-scenes access. The Wall Street Journalsources claim Meta has fired or punished over two dozen workers for hijacking Facebook and Instagram accounts over the past year. Some of the offenders reportedly used Meta’s account recovery tool, “Oops,” and even took “thousands of dollars” in bribes from outsiders seeking access.

The perpetrators included Allied Universal’s contracted security guards at Meta locations, according to the sources. The Journal has also interviewed companies that say they charge social media users for access to insiders willing to retrieve accounts despite company policy.

The Oops tool lets workers file reports about inaccessible accounts with the community support them, which then restores control. It’s meant to be used only in rare situations, such as for public personalities and family members, and asks questions about the source of the request. Its use has supposedly climbed in recent years, The Journal says, jumping from 22,000 “tasks” in 2017 to 50,270 in 2020.

We’ve asked Meta for comment. In a statement, spokesperson Andy Stone said the company would continue to take “appropriate action” against anyone selling fraudulent services. Allied Universal said it always “seriously” responds to conduct violation reports.

The firings are small compared to Meta’s overall (if now greatly reduced) headcount. However, they might produce mixed results for the social networking giant’s reputation. While it gets rid of employees who misused their powers, it comes roughly a year after allegations that Meta let VIPs break the rules, and three years after the company discovered that employees had access to exposed user passwords. Simply put, it hasn’t always been clear that accounts have been secure and treated equally.

Source: Engadget – Meta reportedly fired staff for hijacking Facebook and Instagram accounts

Toyota impressed many onlookers this week with a sleeker redesign for the Prius. It turns out that the 2023 Prius Prime, the plug-in hybrid model, is also getting the new look as well as some other upgrades. For one thing, Toyota says that a larger lithium-ion battery will improve on the previous model’s EV range of 25 miles by over 50 percent (i.e. to at least 37.5 miles). As such, you’ll be able to take longer trips before starting to use gas.

Another neat feature is the solar roof. These panels can recharge the battery when the Prius Prime is parked. When you’re on the road, the solar roof can provide auxiliary power to functions like air conditioning to lessen the load on the lithium-ion battery. Toyota adds that the solar panels’ electrodes are concealed to maintain the plug-in hybrid’s sleek look. “A focus for Prius Prime is to allow it to have a similar ethos to the new Prius hybrid model, but with a little something extra — more performance, technology, safety and even a little attitude,” the automaker said.

The 2023 model is lighter and more rigid than previous ones, Toyota claims, while it has a low center of gravity and larger luggage capacity. The vehicle is two inches lower, an inch wider and an inch longer than the previous Prius Prime, with a hip point that’s nearly an inch lower too.

In terms of performance, Toyota says the fifth-generation hybrid powertrain and 2.0-liter engine help deliver a horsepower increase of nearly 100 hp over the last-gen model to 220 hp. The vehicle can seemingly go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds too.

As with the base Prius, the Prius Prime supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota’s own Intelligent Assistant enables you to search for directions, tweak audio settings, change cabin temperatures and more with voice commands. To help you figure out how to get to where you’re going, the Cloud Navigation system uses the latest available map, traffic and routing information. Alternatively, you can get some help from a live agent via Destination Assist.

Other features include a JBL Premium Audio system with eight speakers and six USB-C ports. A digital key system is available on some trims as part of the Remote Connect service, enabling you to lock and unlock doors, start the engine and more with your phone.

Elsewhere, the Prius Prime comes with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard on all trims. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available as an option on SE variants and as standard on the XSE and XSE Premium grades. Those who opt for the XSE Premium trim will have the option to use a Panoramic View Monitor feature that allows for a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, as well as a hands-free system that can help with parallel parking and reversing into a parking space.

Although Toyota will announce pricing and availability for the base Prius by the end of the year, you’ll need to wait longer to find out that info for the Prius Prime. The company says it will reveal pricing and the on-sale date for the plug-in hybrid in the first half of 2023.

Source: Engadget – Toyota’s 2023 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid gets extended range and a solar roof

Lyft’s app is now more useful for taking care of your own car, not just hailing a ride in someone else’s. You now have access to a trio of maintenance and parking features in the US through a dedicated app section. You can ask for 24/7 roadside assistance through Agero, including tow trucks. SpotHero now helps you reserve parking. And if you need a repair or tune-up, you can soon book car maintenance at Goodyear Auto centers.

Not surprisingly, Lyft is offering some incentives to Pink subscribers. A membership covers four roadside help “events” per year, and Goodyear’s services are 15 percent off. Most of the features are available nationwide, although you can’t get roadside help in Nevada. Parking services are only available in 30 cities, including Chicago, Denver, New York City and San Francisco, although Lyft says more regions are “coming soon.”

It’s not hard to see the strategy behind these additions. On top of boosting Pink subscriptions, this could keep you in Lyft’s ecosystem even if you have no need for ride hailing, bikes or scooters. The company can help you through “all phases” of your life, as fleet head Jody Kelman explains. Still, you might not mind if you’re willing to trade flexibility in providers for the convenience of booking all your car services in a single app.

This might also represent slight competitive advantage over main rival Uber, whose app still revolves around on-demand rides. In theory, you might stick to Lyft simply because it addresses more of your transportation needs.

Source: Engadget – Lyft’s app now lets you request a tow truck and schedule maintenance